62 members participated in the first ever National Past Pupils Meet of the MSMHC, held from May 13-16, 2010 at Bethel, Barapani with the aim of updating and re-orienting educational services. The theme of the Alumni Meet was "Light of the World". The inaugural programme began with the hoisting of the Past Pupils Flag by the Chief Guest, Sr. Mary Thadavanal, Superior General. In her inaugural address, welcoming the assembly she said, "You are the flowers of different hues and texture growing up gorgeously in the garden of MSMHC Family, adding colour to the fabric of its common life. As Office Bearers of the Past Pupils' Association, you represent the thousands in your places; in you we meet those you represent as well, and I welcome each of you warmly to these days of togetherness and learning experience."
Prayer session and colourful items performed by the students of Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre were part of the inaugural programme.
Sr. Jane Francis, General Councillor, Sr. Katherine Joseph, Provincial Superior, Shillong, Sr. Celine D' Cunha FMA, Campus Minister of Don Bosco University, Guwahati, Fr. T.M Joseph SDB, Principal, Don Bosco School, Guwahati, Sr. Merly Tom, Directress, Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre and Mr. Isaias from St. Mary's Shillong were among those who addressed the Alumni.
Every interesting and thought provoking session was responded with active participation from the floor. Acknowledging Past Pupils as the members of the MSMHC Family who are called to live with dignity and integrity, Sr. Jane encouraged the members saying, "It is important to give our best to the humanity in gratitude to God who has blessed us with much gifts, talents and many other good things in life".
Fr. T.M. Joseph enlightened the assembly on the technique of organizing the alumni and its goals. He spoke about the need of focusing on flexible and adaptable programmes. Mr. Isaias during his input session explained with much clarity the broad aims and objectives of an alumni association and the method of fund raising and management. He said, "All must begin from the grass root level to establish a firm association".
Sr. Katherine called on the members to share and spread the values taught and caught. She explained that, Past Pupils Association is an answer to Vatican II, exhorting the educators to sustain the ties of friendship with the students by establishing Past Pupils Association. And, Sr. Merly during her interaction stated, "We who have received much are called to give much. Miracles happen every day, and you are the greatest miracle of God".
The participants with a deep sense of gratitude thanked the Congregation for giving them a forum to come together as brothers and sisters of a large family.
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